Province seeks feedback on Sudbury strip mall project near Blanding's turtle habitat
Public can give feedback on the project until September 14
A Sudbury construction company is waiting to hear whether a nearby turtle habitat will hold up its plan to build a strip mall.
Dalron Construction wants to build the mall behind the Petro Pass truck stop on Highway 69 in the south end of Greater Sudbury, but a nearby wetland has been designated a habitat for Blanding's turtles — which is listed as threatened by the province.
The most significant threats to the Blanding's turtle are the loss or fragmentation of habitat, along with vehicles and predators, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The ministry has posted a notice on its environmental registry and is looking for public feedback until September 14.
The posting noted that "reasonable alternatives" are being considered to minimize the impact on the turtle population.
"[The ministry is] giving all stakeholders ... the opportunity to comment and provide their opinion whether they think that this is a good thing or provide their input on changes that need to be made," said ministry spokesperson Karen Passmore.
Dalron told CBC News that 0.4 hectares of the development would fall within the turtle habitat.
"We are away from the wetlands. Our elevation is quite a little bit higher. But we're respecting [the ministry's] rules and regulations about appropriate setbacks," said Dalron spokesperson Kristi Arnold.
"We still have to go through the process of obtaining a permit to develop on that site," she added.
Arnold said the company hopes to begin development next spring.
With files from Angela Gemmill